Melbourne Synagogue Arson Heightens Antisemitic Hate Crime Concerns

A series of antisemitic attacks occurred in Melbourne, Australia, including an arson attack on the historic East Melbourne Synagogue where 20 worshippers were present but escaped unharmed. A 34-year-old man from New South Wales was arrested and charged with offenses including criminal damage by fire, with police investigating whether the incident constitutes terrorism. The attacks also involved a violent disturbance at the Israeli restaurant Miznon and vandalism targeting a military-linked engineering firm, all believed to be connected to tensions stemming from the Israel-Gaza conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks as severe hate crimes and urged the Australian government to take strong legal action, a call echoed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the synagogue attack as an attack on Australia itself, emphasizing the harm to the Jewish community and the nation, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed justice and affirmed that antisemitism has no place in Australia. Police presence was increased at a pro-Palestine rally following the incidents, as investigations continue into the motivations behind the attacks.